Japanese Four Panel Byobu Screen Cherry Blossoms & Sparrows
A refined mid-century Japanese four-panel byobu screen depicting two sparrows perched among the flowering branches of a mature cherry tree, or sakura, in an elegant springtime composition. Executed in the traditional Japanese kachō-ga, or “bird-and-flower,” manner, the scene combines delicate naturalism with the sophisticated decorative sensibility of 20th-century Japanese screen painting. The two sparrows are beautifully rendered among an expansive network of dark, organically formed cherry branches covered in clusters of pale blossoms. The restrained palette of white, soft blue-gray, brown, and muted green is set against a warm champagne-gold ground, creating a luminous and quietly luxurious effect. The gilded border, black lacquer-style outer frame, and folding four-panel format further enhance the screen’s architectural presence. The painting is executed on silk and displays the fine woven texture characteristic of the material. A small artist’s signature is visible within the composition, although the inscription is presently too indistinct to confidently identify the painter. The pairing of cherry blossoms and sparrows carries strong seasonal associations in Japanese art, evoking the arrival of spring and the fleeting beauty of blossoms. Comparable Japanese screens frequently use cherry trees and birds as subjects within the longstanding kachō-ga tradition. An elegant statement piece for a sophisticated interior, this screen combines Japanese artistic tradition, naturalistic bird-and-flower imagery, a luminous gold ground, and the rich visual texture of hand-painted silk. Age: Mid Century Dimensions: 73″ wide by 36″ high